Market Report
Medaphor opens Hong Kong office to tackle growing Asian market
AIM-listed Medaphor announced on Wednesday that it has opened an office in Hong Kong to cater to its growing customer base in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
Eurotunnel popularity sees Getlink results soar
Getlink, the Paris-based company known until recently as Groupe Eurotunnel, reported its 2017 financial results on Wednesday, with consolidated revenues for 2017 reaching €1. 033bn - an increase of 4% over 2016.
First Group cuts full-year guidance after Greyhound earnings muzzled by snowstorms
Transport operator First Group dropped its full-year earnings guidance on Wednesday after its coach and bus units in the US were hindered by severe snowstorms across North America throughout January and an increasing level of competition from budget airlines such as Spirit.
Gooch & Housego order book reaches record levels
Investors in specialist photonic components manufacturer Gooch & Housego were updated on the company’s progress on Wednesday, as they mustered for its annual general meeting, as it reported benefiting from positive overall market conditions in the first four months of the current financial year.
Europe open: Stocks dip on weak PMIs, ECB succession in focus
Stocks have begun the morning drifting lower, weighed down by a weaker close on Wall Street overnight as investors wait for the release of the minutes of the US central bank's last policy meeting for any signs that rate-setters in Washington might shift towards a more 'hawkish' stance.
Eurozone business growth slows more than expected in February
Business growth in the eurozone slowed more than expected this month, according to data released on Wednesday, although it remains firm overall.
Schroder European adds Dutch data centre for EUR 20m
Schroder European Real Estate Investment Trust has completed the acquisition of a data centre in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, for approximately €20m, it announced on Wednesday.
Lloyds announces £1bn share buyback but profit falls short
Lloyds Banking Group announced a £1bn share buyback and increased its annual dividend by a fifth as the bank reported full-year profit short of expectations.
San Leon notes some progress at OML 18 in Nigeria
Oil and gas development and appraisal company San Leon Energy updated the market on its operations on Wednesday, related to its initial indirect 9. 72% interest in the OML 18 project, onshore Nigeria.
3i Infrastructure announces special dividend, share consolidation
In an update to the market on Wednesday, 3i Infrastructure confirmed a £425m special dividend after realising its investments in Elenia and Anglian Water Group, which generated "exceptional value” for shareholders.
BGEO's Bank of Georgia signs loan deal with Symbiotics
BGEO Group announced on Wednesday that its banking business subsidiary, JSC Bank of Georgia, has signed a loan agreement with Symbiotics - a Swiss investment company active in emerging and frontier economies.
Unite profit jumps, launches placing to fund two projects
FTSE 250 student accommodation provider Unite Group posted a jump in full-year profit as it announced plans for a placing of up to 22. 2m new shares to raise around £170m to fund two university projects.
London open: Stocks tick down ahead of jobs data; Lloyds rallies on results
London stocks nudged lower in early trade on Wednesday, taking their cue from Wall Street as investors eyed key UK jobs data, although earnings from Lloyds and Glencore were a bright spot.
AA slams brakes on dividend as it swerves in new direction
The AA slashed its dividend as the roadside assistance group warned profits would be lower as it makes a strategic swerve down a new route.
Hochschild Mining earnings drop but production set to jump
Hochschild Mining reported a drop in full-year profit and earnings on Wednesday despite a rise in revenue, as it said production is expected to double this year.
Metro Bank posts first annual profit
Metro Bank reported record full-year results on Wednesday, along with its first annual profit as customer accounts pushed past the 1 million mark.
Barratt Developments remains on top of market in first half
Housebuilder Barratt Developments posted its interim results on Wednesday, reporting strong operational and financial performance driven by customer demand.
London pre-open: Stocks seen lower as investors eye jobs data
London stocks were set for a weaker open on Wednesday, taking their cue from a negative close on Wall Street as investors eyed key UK jobs data.
Wednesday newspaper round-up: Heathrow, FCA chair, banks, Tesco
The true cost of Heathrow expansion is likely to be “grossly” higher than the £14. 3bn the airport has cited, airlines have told MPs, adding that transparency and guarantees should be supplied ahead of a crucial vote. Willie Walsh, chief executive of IAG, British Airways’ parent company and the main operator at Heathrow, said parliament should not trust Heathrow and said he had “zero confidence” that a third runway would be delivered on time and budget.